More pictures from my visit to the skimmers on St. Petersburg beach this summer. These little babies have so much personality. They are very brave, trying to take on the world. Then they grow up and spend the day sleeping on the beach.
Linking to Saturday’s Critters
Back in late July, I was able to stop by the black skimmer nesting site after work. The sun was out and it was a beautiful night. I got there just in time for dinner. Adult skimmers were flying back and forth with fish for the babies. Many of the siblings were fighting over who got the fish. It’s amazing how those fish can fit in those tiny stomachs. Made me want to head home for dinner.
Only child! (I don’t think that other egg in the back is going to hatch. None of the other birds where claiming it.)
Family portrait. This couple was going to be busy feeding three.
“Mom, I’m hungry.”
“Who gets the first fish?” The one closest to the parent must have been a day old. He still had wet feathers.
“Ohhhhh!” That fish is almost as big as the baby.
Going down.
This one got a tiny fish.
It’s summer and too hot to be inland so I’ve been heading to the beaches more. That means more baby shorebirds. I can’t help but keep visiting the skimmer colony to see the babies. Most of the eggs have hatched even though there are still a few late bloomers coming. There are hundreds of teeny tiny babies running around the roped off area. The parents are busy flying back and forth between the surf and the nests bringing in fish for the babies. Right before sunset is the busiest with babies being fed one last time before dark. I just plop down on the sand and watch the tiny skimmer world in action. It’s like watching “The Truman Show” for birds. I hope you don’t get too bored with my baby skimmer pictures. My hubby asks me “How many pictures are you going to take of those birds?” My answer? “Thousands.”
